With their teams already having secured a playoff spot, several of the game’s most visible and essential players will sit out this week, changing each game’s dynamics.
While it’s no surprise that teams will sit their starters the final week of the regular season, their absence always adds an element of unpredictability to the NFL’s last week.
Let’s take a look at the biggest names confirmed to be healthy scratches for Week 18 of the 2023 NFL season..
Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers
With the 49ers having clinched a playoff berth during Week 14, the team was still playing for the No. 1 seed in the NFC so McCaffrey continued to play. His presence has been a game-changer for San Francisco but he will be on the sidelines as the 49ers battle division rivals the Los Angeles Rams this weekend. Nursing a calf injury made the decision easy for head coach Kyle Shanahan, and the Rams are also locked into the playoffs which leaves this game a big toss up.
Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have already secured home-field advantage via the No. 1 seed in the AFC, so their MVP-front runner, Jackson, will also take a break for Week 18. Backup Tyler Huntley will start in the finale against archrival Pittsburgh and his different style of play could change the complexity of this game. Add the fact the Steelers are facing a must-win to keep their playoff chances alive. Mike Tomlin’s crew, led by quarterback Mason Rudolph, might have an unexpected edge heading into this matchup.
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
Even though the Chiefs have faced unprecedented offensive challenges this season compared to previous campaigns, having won the AFC West for the eighth-straight season, they will rest Mahomes during the finale. While the Chiefs don’t have much offensive momentum leading into the postseason, Andy Reid decided to start backup Blaine Gabbert against the Los Angeles Chargers, signaling a desire to balance the need for some offensive momentum and the desire to protect his most significant asset in Mahomes.
Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford would be in the mix of the MVP conversation if it weren’t for Lamar Jackson’s explosive December. His team has performed above expectations, but Stafford has had a remarkable year. The Rams, focused on playing the spoiler in the NFC playoffs, will sit Stafford against rivals San Francisco, meaning Carson Wentz will start for LA. Start wideout Cooper Kupp, running back Kyren Williams, defensive stud Aaron Donald, and Ernest Jones will also sit this one out for the Rams. With seeding still at play for LA, this game has some high stakes for Sean McVay, and he’ll need his next line of players to step up.
Joe Flacco, QB, Cleveland Browns
Raise your hand if you had Joe Flacco sitting out Week 18 would be a big deal on your 2023 NFL bingo card. Having secured a playoff spot, the Browns will rest the former Super Bowl MVP in Flacco — their fourth starting quarterback this season. Coach of the Year candidate Kevin Stefanski rolls with backup Jeff Driskel as the Browns travel to take on in-state rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals. Former starter P.J. Walker is the backup. When you’re on your fourth QB and getting ready for the playoffs, it wouldn’t be surprising if Stefanksi wraps Flacco in bubble wrap until next week’s Wild Card matchup.